University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)

Member of EXARC

Yes

Member of EXARC since

2017

The School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies is one of the leaders in African rock art studies, Palaeoarchaeology, the Stone Age, pre-colonial farming and herding societies and the formation of modern cultural identities in the last five hundred years.

We also lead African scholarship on issues such as sustainability, climate change, urban social and environmental justice, tourism and development. We offer undergraduate programmes in the disciplines of Archaeology and Geography and postgraduate degrees in Physical and Human Geography, Archaeology, Rock Art studies and Palaeoarchaeology.

Experimental activities done within the organisation cover a range of topics and have been performed by both students and staff members in their research endeavours. We have performed experimental heat treatment of plant materials and rocks, including silcrete, quartzite and ochre. Pyrotechnology and experiments with fire have also featured in research on the taphonomy of hearths and the burning of sedges and grasses to replicate ancient bedding surfaces. There have been numerous experiments on stone and bone tool hafting (with a range of ingredients that have been used in the past). We have frequent lithic tool manufacture experiments which focus on a range of local raw materials, tool typologies, use-wear and fracture analysis. Experimental studies have looked at the applications of ochre, including sun screen and hafting and hide tanning experiments. We have also performed trampling experiments and looked at the effects of post-depositional processes on a range of raw materials.

Upcoming Events

Images

Bedding and burning. Copyright: Dr…

Ochre use-traces. Copyright: Dr…

Small hafting with ochre. Copyright: Dr…

People Behind

Dr Chrissie Sievers

Function:

Lecturer

E-mail:

Christine.Sievers [at] wits.ac.za

My experiments with the burning and trampling of sedges and grasses helped to identify Middle Stone Age bedding materials and site maintenance at Sibudu Cave. Other experiments have involved the burning of fresh and dried plant material and the investigation of the effect of different substrates on below ground heat conduction. My present research is directed at the processing and use of marula and how this may be identified in the archaeological record.

Prof. Sarah Wurz

Function:

Associate Professor

E-mail:

Sarah.Wurz [at] wits.ac.za

My work in Palaeolithic archaeology includes lithic analysis of Middle Stone Age artefacts. The incorporation of experimental data on lithic production processes and utilisation plays a key role in cultivating a deeper understanding of stone tools. I also work on the origins of music, and here also the experimental replication and use of musical instruments are very important in gaining insights into Palaeolithic life ways.

Dr Tammy Hodgskiss

Function:

Research Associate

E-mail:

Tammy.Hodgskiss [at] wits.ac.za

My research focus is on ochre use in the Late Pleistocene / Middle Stone Age. Experimental ochre use has been imperative in my research, giving me an understanding of how markings form on ochre pieces and how ochre pieces and ochre powder may have been used in the past. This has involved experimental tool hafting, paint manufacture and the heat treatment of ochre.

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